The Advantages of using Subic for the Philippine Navy and Air Force

It was reported lately that the Philippine Air Force (PAF) and Philippine Navy (PN) will be making Subic Bay the location of their new bases in the coming years. This has been expected by many since the heightened tensions between the Philippines and its neighbors regarding the West Philippine Sea. But there are also other reasons why the transfer to Subic is close to possible more than ever. This includes the increase of PAF and PN assets and capabilities, other military bases that may undergo modernization and repair works, and Clark International Airport (CIA) becoming busier than ever. MaxDefense believes that this is a strategic move by the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP), although there is also a civilian face on the transfer.

Naval Air Station Cubi Point, now known as Subic International Airport.Photo taken from airliners.net.

MaxDefense will discuss some of the reasons why it would be an advantage for the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) to consider opening bases for the PAF and PN in Subic Bay.Subic to Decongest NAIA and Improve CIAOn the civilian side, the transfer of PAF to Subic International Airport (SIA) is actually part of an overhaul of the aviation industry and standards of the Philippines, which is actually a give and take situation between civil and military aviation groups.Access to Manila's premier aviation gateway, the Ninoy Aquino International Airport (NAIA) has been tight for a few years now as it has already exceeded the designed capacity to accommodate flights and passengers. One of the solutions made by the Philippine government is to transfer all flights for all light aircraft traffic (including private and corporate planes, aviation schools, and morning fish deliveries) to another airport, which was eventually known as the Philippine Air Force's Danilo Atienza Airbase in Sangley Point, Cavite City, currently the home of PAF's 15th Strike Wing (15th SW). Transferring private and light commercial flights to Sangley Point means the 15th SW will need to let go of the base, and this is where Lumbia Airport in Cagayan de Oro City will come in.

Danilo Atienza Airbase in Sangley Point, Cavite City. CAAP will be taking over the airbase by 2014.Photo taken from panoramio.com.

PAF OV-10s forward deployed at Lumbia Airport.Photo taken from Wikimedia.

Now the 15th SW has a secure home in the future, the Danilo Atienza Airbase is good for transfer to the civil aviation soon. According to some reports, the 15th SW may completely leave Cavite as early as 2014 if the transfer goes well, and Civil Aviation Authority of the Philippines (CAAP) may open the airbase to civilian traffic almost immediately as well.

The highly publicized Air Force City hangar at Clark Air Base, Pampanga.

Another solution for the NAIA problem is to increase the capacity of the Clark International Airport (formerly known as Diosdado Macapagal International Airport), including the expansion of civilian activities to the premises of PAF's Air Force City base on the said airport. Currently Air Force City is the home of the 1st Air Division, the Air Logistics Command and the 710th Special Operations Wing, and is also an extension airbase by the Air Defense Wing's assets originally based in Basa Air Base in nearby Floridablanca, Pampanga. Taking out Air Force City means looking for a new home for these units, and the closest possible bases for transfer is either at Air Defense Wing's Basa Air Base or Subic International Airport. And between the two, SIA is the better choice due to its wider area and more room for improvement.

Subic International Airport, proposed to be a new air base for the Philippine Air Force.Photo taken from traveltothephilippines.info.

Subic as a Deep Water Naval Base and Replacement to the old Cavite Naval BaseAs early as the 19th century the Spaniards found Subic Bay's strategic location, deep water and sheltered anchorages suitable for a fine naval base. The Americans confirmed this by choosing it as their largest overseas naval base during the Cold War until its closure in 1992. With the PN acquiring bigger vessels than what they had in their inventory before and the possible take-over of the Cavite Naval Base (CNB) together with nearby Danilo Atienza Air Base to the CAAP, the PN is in a situation where it needs to find a new base to replace CNB in the near future.

Cavite Naval Base circa 2010. The naval base will also be affected by the taking over of nearby Danilo Atienza Airbase for future airport development works. Also the base has no more space for further development.Photo taken from Flickr copyright to Mr. Karlo Panahon.

Subic Freeport is also home to several shipbuilding and repair facilities, oil depots, and has been the home of the BRP Gregorio del Pilar since it was acquired in 2011. More large ships are expected to arrive and will need a new home as CNB is currently cramped, old, and does not have the facilities to handle such ships. It is a natural choice for the PN to choose Subic Bay as its new home, with more room for further development in the near future. Subic still has some of the US Navy's previous facilities that can be of good use to the Philippine military, like ammunition depots, shelters, warehouses, access roads and other American-made infrastructure.Subic's Distance in relation with Panatag Shoal (Scarborough Shoal) and West Philippine SeaOf all PAF airbases, Basa Airbase is the closest to the contested Panatag Shoal in the West Philippine Sea. But Subic Airport beats Basa Airbase in closing the distance by a mere 20 something kilometers. Although 20+ kilometers seems small, according to AFP documents released by recent news reports it would cut the reaction time of responding fighter planes by at least 3 minutes, which is very important in terms of air defense response times. It would also shorten the distance between the shoal and the fighter's home base and maximizing the short legs of the incoming KAI FA-50 Golden Eagle fighter trainers of the PAF, as well as incoming maritime patrol aircraft.

This map shows the location of Subic Bay in relation to Bajo de Masinloc aka Panatag Shoal. Take note of the close distance between them. During the time of the US Bases, American and Filipino air units used the shoal as a bombing range due to its closeness to the US bases.Map taken from scubatechphilippines.com by E.M. Esber.

Subic Bay is also closer to Panatag Shoal than from Cavite Naval Base. This will also shorten the time for ships to reach the area, considering that ships travel slower than aircraft and the travel time can be shortened by several hours. Overall, Subic is the best location for the PAF and PN to be closer to the potential conflict areas and West Philippine Sea theatre of operations.Subic and Olongapo City are Military-Friendly LocationsOf all the cities in the Philippines, Olongapo City just outside Subic Freeport is considered as one of the most military-friendly, together with Angeles City near Clark. The city's history is long connected to American and foreign military presence, and the people are very supportive of the move to have military bases in Subic. This is an added advantage considering that many cities in the Philippines are not symphatetic on having military bases in their area due to fear of being legitimate military targets of OPFOR, avoidance of associating with the military, and avoidance of presence of foreign troops.

Olongapo City residents watching a US Air Force band during a performance at SM City Olongapo.Photo taken from subicbaynews.com

If the Philippine government approves, we may see Japan Maritime Self Defense Forces (JMSDF) ships coming in and out of Subic Bay in the near future.Photo taken from US Navy.

Since Subic is not too close to the civilian population it is also an ideal base to safeguard joint forces from close contact with the populace, and from preying eyes of the public (and foreign spies as well). The openness and experience of the local population and businesses to foreign and local military forces is another advantage. Olongapo City officials earlier said that having foreign military access to Subic will boost their tourism and business potential and increase income.Joint Bases in Subic makes Defending it EasierHaving both a naval and air base in Subic makes it easier for the military to defend both at the same time. The AFP can deploy future anti-aircraft gun and missile defenses in the area to defend both the combined bases, the industrial freeport zone (with its oil depots, supply stores and repair facilities) and the city of Olongapo all together without having to deploy separate units for each location. This maximizes the deployment of limited number of defense systems by only having a few but cohesive unit to do the job, thus giving the military enough numbers to deploy elsewhere. If foreign forces are also in the area, it is not impossible that these forces (especially the US) will also provide additional defense systems to strengthen those deployed by the Philippine military.

The AFP could place its future air defense assets in Subic and could defend the joint base, the freeport and Olongapo City at the same time. It is expected that the AFP will get air defense missiles like the Spydeer ADS in the future (discussed in a previous blog).Photo taken from Rafael website.

MaxDefense believes that the planned transfer of naval and air force units of the Philippines to Subic is a good strategic decision and would be beneficial in the overall defense posture of the country, as well as in helping the civil aviation sector. It is still the best location so far for the military, and would be a cheaper alternative than building new military bases. The DND should provide protected facilities in the new base for oil and ammunition supply, hardened aircraft shelters, and other military requirements.To further maximize this efforts, the AFP and DND should also start modernization and upgrading its current air force and naval bases. Basa Airbase should be modernized, as well as the Fernando Airbase in Batangas. With the impending transfer of the PAF to Lumbia Airport, the DND must also start upgrading the facility to military standards. The PN should also do the same, and it is a welcome news that they would be upgrading their facilities in Rafael Ramos Naval Base in Cebu.

Comments

PAF and PN transfer to Subic bay is a good idea but stationing almost all of the newly acquired assets there by the AFP is not a good idea because OPFOR will have just to target Subic to cripple the AFP just like what happen to Pearl Harbor, for me DND/AFP should also develop a new base in Palawan which closer to Spratly Island where it can station some of its ships & aircraft there.

The most ideal would be Ulugan Bay. The only problem I think is that certain parts are too shallow and needed to be dredged. Bigger ships won't be able to come inside the Bay what more in the inner Oyster Bay where the Cunanan Naval Station is located.

The Philippine government is acting like a child running to its 'big brother' for comfort when confronted by the bully. Of course the Philippines must cry HELP!!! because we have neglected in securing a fully equipped and trained military organization in the past and continue to rely blindly on the US assistance. We do not have the industry which could make us autonomous from foreign aid, both economically and militarily. So, now that we need the muscle to defend our sovereignty, all we can do is to offer it to USA on silver platter in exchange of assistance to defend that sovereignty.

The problem with The Philippine government, is that they don't have a national defense policy. As it stands, all they have is a policy where if china bullies them, they run crying to America for help. It's why they need to seriously learn and apply the concepts from Sweeden and Finland on their defense policy. Where they wear down an aggressor, instead of attempting to hold the attacking army on the frontier. Which is why Sweden and Finland build a military that wears down the aggressor instead of attacking them. Their by making it very hard for them to attack someone and making it very costly for them. Which is why the Philippine Military needs to come up with a National defense policy instead of relying on America.

On top of that you have Military equipment that can't stand up to China and if a Shooting ware ever break out between China and the Philippines. It would be a very lopsided war where China would easily push the Philippines aside. You basically have nothing, and if china wanted to, they can choke, blockade and isolate the Philippines with their Submarine Force consisting of SSK's and SSN's. You clearly don't see why China has a military that can easily push you around, and if they wanted to, they park their new Aircraft carrier with their new J-15 fighters right off your EEZ and bully you guys around.

@Panzer Rat,I would say this, Philippine Military really needs to take a page or a playbook from the Swedish and Finland Military. If the Philippine Military followed the Swedish and military strategy, they would have a military can wear down China instead of holding them at bay. They can have a Military like Sweeden and Finland that would make it very costly for China to Invade.

It's why if the Philippine Military had costal batteries of Brahmos ASCM and Air defense batteries of S-300's or 400's. They would be able to wear down china to the point of making it very rough for them.

The bad part is that China can unleash their SSN's and SSK's to choke the Phillippines off and starve them into submission. Even park their Aircraft Carrier off you EEZ and choke you guys from the air as well.

It's why the Philippine Military need to seriously study the Swedish and Finland military strategy and even take their playbook and use it in the Philippines.

The Swedish and Finnish Military strategy is where they know that they may not stop an enemy, but if they can wear them down and make it very hard for the aggressor to hold on that piece of land and make it very costly for them as well. It may deter them from attacking them That's why Sweden and Finland have a military that is designed to make it very costly for anyone who dares to invade them. It's why the Philippines needs to take a page on that as well.

On second thought, as the PLA has its own S-300 and S-400 SAM systems, I think that they are quite familiar to its countermeasures. It would be better to acquire some sort of land based version of the Aster 30 air defense system.IMHO, as the Phils is a maritime nation, it should be built on a littoral navy of 18-30 extremely fast missile boats, with 500-600 nmi combat radius armed with the BrahMos SSM and Barak SAM. Mobile land based SAM system like the Aster-30 backed up by Spyder. It is time for the AFP to forget the traditional hardwares like destroyers and frigates. Likewise, the AF should try to formulate an AD doctrine based on mobile SAM system and VTOL aircraft (more in the lines of a Marine Air Wing) that can be dispersed at one of the 7100 islands.

Maybe the Philippines can get the same deal that Iraq is getting such as the MIM-23 Hawk XXI missile system. Here's the links: http://www.defenseindustrydaily.com/iraqs-new-integrated-air-defense-system-016046/

Yep, seems like a sound decision all around. Thanks for the quality write-up.

As the anonymous commenter above noted, facilities in Palawan also need to be upgraded, due to their proximity to the Spratly Islands. Structurally it would make sense for the PN to have two fleets, one based in Subic and another based at the Carlito Cunan Naval Station after it has been developed into a naval base.

Which is smart. Step by step, steady progress is what is needed, along with long-term, strategic thinking. I agree 100% that Subic should be top priority. Having friendly foreign forces visit and doing joint exercises with them is going to provide invaluable experience for the AFP.

It is good that the Philippines finally has a govt. that seems to have it's head screwed on straight.

the Ulugan bay facility may be expanded but imho only in a limited way as the area is a sensitive ecological area (mangrove forest/swamp area). if i recall correctly this had already been an issue esp. to residents of palawan as too much expansion may lead to destruction of surrounding areas. may be better in the long term to build another bigger base also in western palawan, maybe further south near quezon town.

I wouldn't touch certain parts of Corregidor. It is too sensitive, too historical. Some of it yes, let us make use of it. But if all hell break loose, we can use all of them including those caves that even until now has not been set foot on since the WWII. Wouldn't that be ironic that those that bombarded Corregidor night and day during WWII could be the ones that will be with us if the Chinese invaded us and the Americans and Japanese came to the rescue.

Corregidor is better off as a memorial and tourist attraction. Modern defense systems does not require an island fortress. Mobile land based anti-ship missiles can be positioned anywhere from Bataan to Cavite to defend Manila Bay from warships if necessary, same for air defense missile systems.

Looking at the Map of the Philippines, any military defense experts would really find it very difficult to put in place a credible defense system to cover the entire archipelago, esp. with an armed forces (particularly the navy and the air force) having limited, not to mention inferior assets to do the job. There is no doubt that Subic would be a strategic location to move our naval and air force bases to. Nothing could be more ideal practically than having an already built basic base structures to move into. It's a great plan although there are also issues of concern in having both their forces concentrated in one location. But clearly in the SWOT analysis, the advantages outweigh the disadvantages.

Although Palawan is often referred to as the "Last Frontier", we know for a fact that it is actually "The Frontier" - the front line of our country's territory with respect to the disputed areas in the West Philippine Sea. Hence, I agree that we should develop a major military base in the area also for both our navy and air force.

Likewise, I do agree in developing the Lumbia Airport in CDO into another major airbase as it has a central position to complement Edwin Andrews Airbase Zamboanga City in the west and Rajah Buayan Airbase in Gensan in the south. But still, I would like to see Rajah Buayan Airbase developed into a major airbase where air assets in the future could serve as our rapid reaction force against foreign incursions down south (when we already have the capability). I would also love to see a major naval base put up in the future in the Zamboanga City or General Santos City area not just a naval station.

Furthermore, I would also like to see in the future a new major airbase built further up in Cagayan since both Clark and Subic airbases are still far from Batanes Province as well as an upgraded Naval Base Camilo Osias in Sta. Ana Cagayan in order for us to have a rapid reaction force capability to cover our northern hemisphere against foreign incursions also. - Jasper

In addition to those PN and FAP bases I would like to see them with defense missile like spider as Max mention above or something better if there's one, a second line of defense to protect all the three major radar to be installed in the next three years. West Philippine sea will be a focal point, but don't forget about Batanes Island and our back door toward the East it's should scatter by defense mobile missile. I'm not sure if there's any PN Base or PAF on the east, don't get this a weakest point if incase of something happen.

It's not in front of the enemy. It is in our own soil. The Philippines will benefit more of having a forward base than the few negative effects. Besides, the AFP still has several bases nearby. Remember Basa Air Base?

So you want to set up a combined naval and air base that is also a joint Pinoy, American and Japanese operation?

I am going to be brutally honest.

Even if the PLA don't use a tactical nuke or chemical weapons on it due to their no-first-use policy. Is the base hardened with bunkers for survive a pre-emptive strike with ballistic missiles armed with conventional warheads? Le't me guess, you hope that americans and japanese bring their own anti-ballistic missiles defense.

You guys need a realistic defense plan with dispersed Pinoy forces that can survive a serious full attack from a main military power. That means weapons like land based long-range mobile batteries of anti-air and anti-ship missiles, STOVL or STOL jet fighters and submarines.

Instead it seems that the plan is buy a bunch of used coast guard vessels and new jet trainers for police your EEZ, relying on get people from other countries killed if there is a real war for make them fight and win the war for you. It may work if there is enough incentives for the US and Japan, but don't expect earn much respect from other countries with this strategy.

We have to be honest, the PH government is not spending enough for defense. What you see is what we do get, so other options are being considered. The American and Japanese are not stationing their forces to defend the Philippines but rather use the bases for joint exercises and forward deployment to secure their interests as well. Of course if the enemy attacks mainland PH (including Subic) that would be a major event that may activste the RP-US MDT.

we have to admit, the philippines after the cold war was living in a tropical island mind set, oblivious to outside developments, too preoccupied with its internal issues. be that as it may, its leaders and its people are slowly realizing these outside threats and the need to address them.but what you are proposing if immediately done will certainly bankrupt our economy (even if now its gaining momentum its still at a sensitive state). you have to realize military capabilities are still stuck for the most part in the 70s and 80s technology and undermanned and underequipped. even if we have the money (which we certainly dont), it will take 10 years at the least to bring it up to par with the rest of the developed world.what we are asking allies is not to defend us but to help us bring our capabilities up step by step (like a toddler being taught how to walk). state of the art weapons like the late generation fighters, submarines etc. will have to be deferred for the meantime as even the sheer logistics of maintaining these weapons will be too hard to digest (just read what is happening to south africa and we are in worse state). as for missile defenses, upgraded but affordable warships and aircraft, measures are being done at the moment to acquire these as you will know if you took the time to research.

haha, it's funny for you to say that "relying on people from other countries" , let me tell you why US will help philippines when it come's to war.1. the alliance of both countries started centuries ago , after the philippine-american war the US helping the philippines , for example the world war 2 .2. the philippines and US have strong treaty against defending each other ,, i think that was 1946 ago 3.so what are you saying that the philippines can't get anti-missile ? fine then we will buy on our own , basically you did not read the whole blog , the SPYDER was not really confirmed but it is one of the future acquisitions , 4. we need them not to fight for china , we just wan't them to guard the EEZ of the philippines and to defend us if necessary .5. also the US have base in south korea and japan ? so why not philippines ? we just repeating the history of the US base in Subic and you are complaining about it ? if you're not here from our country . you should research first before complaining , you'r complain was totally baseless .

Hey guys ease up even Israel bought old weapons when it was just starting out it even bought old Philippine army M4 Sherman tanks what's important is how to make the most of what we have we have no one to blame but ourselves for the state of our economy and our national defense

Max: I just found your blog a couple of days ago and have been catching up on older posts. I really enjoy your analysis of the status of the PN and PAF, along with your readers. I would also like the AFP to consider purchasing 3-4 Predators or Reapers and base them on Pag-Asa (Thitu) island. It would provide excellent (and fairly cheap) maritime coverage of the entire Spratly area. The airstrip would probably have to be resurfaced and perhaps even lengthened.

The runway improvement is in the government's agenda some several years now although no move is done, not a military problem but more of a political one. As for the UAVs, the AFP is considering other models, smaller than the Predator/Reaper. Thanks for your support.

That are the reasons that most protesters use, but yes its true that crime will be possible as this happens in Korea and Japan as well. The question actually is: does the Philippine government have the teeth and will to persecute accused servicemen found guilty of crime? Or will the government just do nothing when the Americans take charge and bring home their men?

this is a no brainer. of course Subic is very advantageous for the AFP as a base. all existing military infrastructures left by the US is already there and all it needs is maintenance and upgrades. the location is also strategic, thats why the US chose that location.

Yes, you are exactly right. That military tactics of wearing down the Chinese in the event of a shooting war without even using a single warship is suggested last year by a U.S.security analyst and it is called Asymmetric Warfare. The Philippines is blessed with being the closest distance to the Spratlys (West Philippine Sea) by less than 200 miles.That distance is also the best firing distance where the Brahmos Missiles and the Yakhont P-800 Anti Ship Missiles are designed to be. These missiles are so accurate and undetected by Radars since it travels just 7 meters above the water and can penetrate it's target accurately against also any known enemy ships lurking in West Philippine Sea. The Philippine Military does not need even a warships to counter China. The movable batteries of missiles stationed in Palawan island will do the job. I do not why nobody in the Philippine Military circles did not apply this strategy or maybe they already did but keep it secret.

Renzo, at this point in time it is not feasible for the Philippines to build its own aircraft. Economically speaking, the market should be large enough sell the aircraft and pay for its development. But that seems to be impossible for the Philippine setting. So it would still be best to buy foreign for now, or at best, settle with local assembly or deal with parts manufacturing deal for local and other markets.

A former naval officer of the Philippine Navy, initially a reservist before becoming an active officer, opted to retire early and migrate to another country. Aside from being in the service, he has been following Philippine and regional defence issues, as well as military technology and industrial movements, and developments in regional military upgrades since the mid 1990s. He has been involved in other defence sites & minor publications for the past several years, and a regular at regional defence exhibitions & symposiums. Currently works as a systems consultant for a foreign military organisation. As a defence writer, he has no political affiliation, and would not hesitate to criticise any political leader, organisation, or political part when issues on defence and security of the Philippines are believed to be in peril.